by Gail Momblan/PNA
The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 (Western Visayas) has urged political candidates in the May 13 elections to report any threats coming from the New People’s Army (NPA).
This, after Sanggunian Bayan Member Jolomar Hilario of Barangay Inolingan, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, was killed inside his home by persons who identified themselves as members of the rebel group.
A police report said that 50 armed NPAs on board a truck went to the victim’s residence while he was sleeping early Sunday morning.
Some of the rebels entered the house and peppered Hilario with bullets. He was brought to the Enrico Roa Elumba Clinic but was declared dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds.
In a press conference on Monday, Brig. Gen. John Bulalacao, PRO-6 regional director, said they learned after the incident that the victim received threats from the rebels weeks prior to the attack.
“We had not received information about this (rebel threats to Hilario). The security personnel could have immediately reacted,” Bulalacao said.
“I am suggesting to them (poll bets) that in case they receive information or they receive threats from NPA, please bring the information to us immediately so that we can take immediate action,” he said.
He said there were some politicians and businessmen from Panay and Negros islands who reported threats made by the NPA and requested for police security.
Meanwhile, the PRO-6 will form a task group to fast-track the investigation in the killing of Hilario.
“Maybe, the NPA holds grudges against Hilario, or maybe, there are NPA-supported candidates that Hilario will vie against in the election,” Bulalacao said, adding that the PRO-6 hoped the crime would not fall as an election-related incident.
Hilario was an incumbent councilor of Moises Padilla town and seeking his reelection under the slate of Mayor Magdaleno Peña.
